Behind a double-layered wall in his parents' room lay a peculiar badge, etched with an unfamiliar symbol. He had no idea what it represented, but instinct told him it was important.

It was the only clue he had.

So he stored it carefully inside his storage ring.

As the soul train thundered forward, the carriage gradually quieted until only the rhythmic clatter of wheels against tracks remained. For class zero, the second-class seating felt a bit cramped, but it also carried a sense of adventure.

Outside the window, scenery blurred into streaks of color. One by one, passengers drifted into sleep.

Ray took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled.

Step by step. Bite by bite. I just need to keep moving forward.

Once in Central City, his first priority would be finding a thousand-year Azure-veined Vine.

He already had the other three spirit items prepared, and the Duskgold Dreadclaw Bear's soul bone had strengthened his body considerably. Everything was ready for him to break the second seal.

Once he succeeded, his strength would leap forward dramatically. Passing the Central entrance exam would become far more likely.

Alfred had deliberately scheduled their arrival a week early, giving Ray enough time to locate the vine, break the seal, and prepare for the exam.

The closer that moment drew, the more his anticipation grew. What kind of surprise awaited him beyond the second seal?

Compared to Arcana City, Central City was slightly closer to West Ocean City.

The train gradually slowed.

Then an announcement echoed through the carriage.

"Dear passengers, we have arrived at the greatest city on the Xynnar Continent—Central City. With a history spanning tens of thousands of years, Central City stands as a cultural center of the Federation. The legendary Central Academy was founded here, as well as the headquarters of the Spirit Tower. As the Federation's number one city, Central City wields immense economic and political influence. Please look out the left-side windows. The tower in the distance is the Spirit Tower Headquarters."

All four members of class zero leaned over to look.

In the distance, a colossal tower pierced the heavens. From this range, only its upper-middle section was visible. Eight gleaming sides reflected silvery light as the structure tapered upward into the clouds, its peak hidden from sight.

The Spirit Tower headquarters was the tallest building on the continent. Federation law even prohibited the construction of taller structures as a sign of respect.

If the Immortal Guild was the most mysterious organization, and Central Academy the most illustrious, then the Spirit Tower was undoubtedly the most powerful.

With its artificial spirit soul technology, the Tower commanded vast wealth, brilliant researchers, and powerful soul masters, its influence rivaling that of a nation.

Seven of the Federation Parliament's 108 seats were held by Spirit Tower members alone, not counting those under its sway.

Central City truly stood beyond the ordinary.

Around the tower sprawled a strange blend of architecture. Ancient structures stood beside cutting-edge buildings, tradition and modernity woven together.

It was nothing like Arcana City's classical air, nor West Ocean City's crisp metallic atmosphere.

Central City felt like a massive melting pot.

Its borders stretched farther than the eye could see.

After entering the city, the train continued for another hour before finally coming to a stop.

Ray had never seen a station this vast. It was easily five times larger than those in Arcana City or West Ocean City.

An enormous domed roof arched overhead, clean and minimalist in design. Sculptures dotted the station, offering travelers something to admire.

"Teacher," Raziel asked eagerly, eyes shining, "where are we going first? Straight to Central Academy?"

Even someone from a wealthy background like him couldn't suppress the excitement of stepping into this legendary city.

Though Alfred's face remained as cold and restrained as ever, a flicker of complicated emotion passed through his eyes.

"We'll find an inn first," he said flatly.

The inn he chose clearly had no understanding of the word luxury. Its only virtue was proximity to the station. Alfred booked three rooms without hesitation.

The building itself carried an old-fashioned charm. Stone and wood formed its mottled exterior, while the interior was clean and orderly, albeit extremely plain.

Each room contained nothing more than a bed, two bedside cabinets, a wardrobe, a desk, and a chair. The washroom was so cramped that squeezing in two people would already feel crowded. Four white walls, a single window, and a view overlooking the train station completed the setup.

Alfred took one room for himself, while the students were split by gender into the remaining two.

He had originally intended to book a three-person room, but the inn only offered double rooms. Otherwise, they would have needed just two.

"So comfortable!" Raziel dove onto the bed the moment he entered, sprawling out with exaggerated satisfaction.

Ray, meanwhile, walked over to the window and studied their surroundings.

"Ray, don't you think Teacher Alfred is way too stingy?" Raziel complained lazily. "He should be rolling in money. He's a battle armor master, after all! You saw how insane that thing was. Anyone who can make battle armor has to be rich!"

Ray laughed softly. "Teacher Wu just doesn't care about that sort of thing. You, on the other hand, should tone it down a bit. We didn't come here for sightseeing."

"Fine, fine." Raziel yawned. "I'm taking a nap. That train was way too cramped. I couldn't even stretch my legs."

Before long, his breathing evened out.

Ray took a quick shower, changed into clean clothes, and then headed to Alfred's room and rang the bell.

Alfred opened the door and let him in without a word.

"Teacher, can we go now?" Ray asked.

Alfred glanced outside. "Don't rush. Auctions are held in the evening. There's plenty of time, and Central City's auctions have a wide selection. You need to be patient."

"Alright." Ray took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. His nerves really were wound tight.

He had never considered himself especially talented. His martial soul was still Silverfalls Vine. Even though both of his soul rings were thousand-year level, they were still thousand-year Silverfalls Vine rings. As for his Golden Dragon Claw, while powerful, it wasn't something he could rely on endlessly.

He had confidence in his combat ability, and among his peers, he only truly acknowledged Lily as stronger. But this was Central Academy.

If he wanted to pass the entrance exam, he had to push himself even further.

Alfred studied him for a moment. "Ray, I'll ask you again. Are you absolutely sure your strength will increase after absorbing all four spirit items? If there's even the slightest uncertainty, you shouldn't rush this. A single mistake could affect your entire future."

"I'm sure," Ray answered without hesitation. "My martial soul will evolve positively. I won't fail."

Even though he couldn't explain the Golden Dragon King seals, he was completely certain that breaking the second seal would bring him immense benefits.

Alfred nodded. "Then I won't say more. It'll be night soon. We'll head out later."

"Thank you, Teacher."

Ray returned to his room and began meditating. Before long, twilight swallowed the sky.

They ate dinner downstairs. Despite the inn's modest appearance, the food was unexpectedly good. Perhaps this was simply the standard in Central City.

Ray was clearly distracted during the meal, eating only half as much as usual. Even so, his portion still surpassed everyone else combined.

"Go rest and cultivate in your rooms," Alfred instructed Raziel, Lily, and Violetta. "If you go out, stay nearby and keep your soul communicators on you."

"Teacher, where are you and Captain going?" Violetta asked. She had grown used to calling Ray "Captain" and rarely used his name anymore.

"We have some matters to handle. We'll be back later."

As always, Alfred offered no further explanation. He left immediately with Ray.

Before following, Ray gestured to his teammates to reassure them that everything was fine.

Alfred was clearly familiar with Central City, but unlike their time in Arcana City, he hailed a taxi instead of walking.

Soul taxis were comfortable, but expensive. It was the first time Ray had ever seen Alfred choose such a costly option.

He soon understood why.

Central City was simply too vast.

Even by taxi, it took them nearly forty minutes to reach their destination.

Alfred led Ray into a tall, pointed building.

A staff member greeted them at the entrance. "Excuse me, are you here to attend the auction? May I see your invitation letter?"

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